AN AMAZON TOP 50 BESTSELLEROn the Rocks is a stand-alone, small town, country romance in the Becker Brothers Series. Noah Becker is nothing but trouble.That’s what Mama told me when I was a kid, kicking his pew in church and giggling at the games we’d play. It’s what the town said when his father died and the Becker brothers went wild. And it’s on repeat in my mind the day I walk into the whiskey … mind the day I walk into the whiskey distillery where he works to buy a wedding gift for my fiancé.
He’s trouble.
Dirty, sweaty, rude trouble.
No matter how many times I repeat it, I can’t escape Noah in our small Tennessee town. And the more I run into him, the more he infuriates me.
Because he sees what no one else does.
He sees me—the real me.
The me I’m not sure I’m allowed to be.
I’m Ruby Grace Barnett, the mayor’s daughter. Soon to be a politician’s wife, just like Mama and Daddy always wanted. Soon to fulfill my family’s legacy, just like I always knew I would.
Until the boy everyone warned me about makes me question everything, like whether the wedding I’m planning is one I even want.
Everyone says Noah Becker is nothing but trouble.
If only I had listened.
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Kandi Steiner is a 1-click author for me. She writes it and I read it. So when I started On the Rocks I was very excited and she did not disappoint! Ruby is the good girl and usually what is expected of her. On the verge of getting married and becoming all her parent’s wanted, she can’t seem to escape Noah Becker, the local bad boy. The type of man her momma warned her about.
I loved all the interactions between Ruby and Noah. Their chemistry was off the charts, even as they bantered back and forth. Noah seems to see her, truly see her as no one else can, even her fiancé. I loved Ruby. Though she was following what others wanted, we see her grow in so many ways. And Noah, well he was more than the local bad boy. He was strong and caring. I loved watching them become friends and fall. I absolutely loved On the Rocks by Kandi Steiner. It was a slow burn romance with all the best feels. Full of angst, sweet and steamy!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
On the Rocks is a great read. Ruby is a good girl. Her Dad is the Mayor and she been brought up to be a politician’s wife. She’s nineteen. She’s is college and has dreams of a future but those dream change when Anthony proposes to her. Her dreams are no longer needed because she’s going to be a good politician wife. Ruby is young and doesn’t really know what she wants so she’s doing what everyone expects her to do. Noah lights a spark in her and brings out the true Ruby. Noah has a bit of a bad reputation in town but he has a heart of gold. Noah a good guy. He wants so much more from Ruby but settles on being her friend. They have a slow burn relationship that had me so hoping they would get together. This one has all the feelings. I loved the epilogue but I so want more Ruby and Noah.
Gah! I absolutely adored everything about On the Rocks.
This book actually was like a romance smorgasbord of many delicious tropes all in one perfect book. We all have our favorite guilty pleasures when it comes to what we look for in a read. Whether you are a forbidden romance fan, a friends-to-lovers, or age-gap. There are many ways you can view this storyline to fit in with almost any tropes fan base. That’s such an amazing accomplishment for this author! How awesome for her to be able to pretty much appeal to everyone. I fell hard and fast for both Noah Becker and Ruby Grace Barnett. Noah Becker is everything you could ever want in a H/Main guy(hell in a real life man). He’s smokin’ hot, loves his momma, makes mouth waterin’ Whiskey and barrels for a living. Did I mention he’s hot?!He’s not into glamorous lifestyles. He’s a sweet, alpha with a heart of gold. He is a definite take care of you in ever way in bed, so he is going to rip off those pretty panties and bra your wearin’, but he will leave your classy little demure dress dress intact. I mean, he is a southern gentleman after all, and he would NEVER make you do the walk of same in front of your Momma and Daddy in a ripped dress. I love how he’s super close with his family. He’s so swoony. Now, Ruby grace was this gorgeous, young woman being the age of nineteen. She’s sweet and sassy. There are so many layers to who she is, and she is so much more that what you see on the outside, although that is a gorgeous package. I loved the friendship that built between Noah and Ruby Grace. There were many obstacles preventing them from being in a relationship, so they were able to build this incredibly solid friendship, and at the same time had this magnificent chemistry. While this story was sweet, it had some angst (there is some mystery in there that I hope we see solved in a later book?) and definitely had heat to it as well. Hells Bells, ain’t nothin hotter than Southern Boys! There were lots of happenings and really great characters to keep us engaged and entertained the entire time in this book. #iheartBetty . I am SO glad Noah has 3 brothers, because I can’t wait for their stories! Don’t miss out on this amazing small town romance. Grab your self a glass of some smooth Tennessee Whiskey and curl up and get ready to fall in love with Noah and Ruby Grace.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book. However, I loved it so much I purchased my own copy!
On the Rocks is the first book by Kandi Steiner and wow, I am now a big fan!
I enjoy her writing style, her characters are well developed and the storyline has the perfect amount of interest and intrigue to keep the pages turning!
There was just something about Noah and Ruby’s history of growing up in a small town, each wanting to find the love they saw between each of their parents. They are both young but love knows no bounds and the heart wants what the heart wants.
The story gets interesting when Ruby returns to town already being engaged, but not to Noah. They not only have to try to keep their relationship in the ‘friend’ zone but there are so many secrets being kept and deals being made behind Ruby’s back that Noah is the only one she feels safe with. Those secrets, however, are the one thing that can tear them apart.
Kandi has also done a great job building up the supporting characters so you know that there is so much more to come and I can’t wait!
On The Rocks is a sweet small town friends to lovers story. It’s slow, but passionate, sweet with a bit of drama to make you hold your breath for a few pages. I fell in love with the story of Ruby Grace and Noah from the first page!
Ruby Grace and Noah meet when she comes to buy a wedding gift for her fiancé. Noah is older and a bad news around the town. Ruby Grace, on the other hand, is the sweet polite girl from a well respected family who is on her way to become a politician’s wife. Despite their different life situations, the friendship blooms right away. They have a great chemistry and fit together like a puzzle.
Although the blurb suggest this is a love triangle/cheating story, it’s totally not how it seems. The way it’s written is quite different from what the reader might expect. What you can expect from this story is a lot of swoon-worthy moment, some steamy ones and family drama. If you know Kandi’s books, she stays true to her writing style and makes you feel like the story is authentic.
Five stars!
3.5/5 stars
I’ll start by saying that this book didn’t have the usual brooding/standoffish hero + honest/real/flawed heroine that I’ve grown to love with Kandi’s books, which made it a little harder for me to get into. But once the story picked up, it was captivating.
On the Rocks was an extremely slow burn! So much drama and uncertainty interlaced throughout the story. I don’t think a better hero could have been written than Noah. He was everything you want in a small town bachelor. Kindhearted, charismatic, family oriented, hard working and respectful. The total package! Did I mention smoking hot? Ruby Grace rubbed me the wrong way from the get go. Something about her just didn’t have me falling in love with her like I normally do for Steiner’s heroines. Her youth worked against her and made her come across quite naive and immature. While she was poised as southern royalty, her inability to stand up for herself and fight for her own needs and wants left me frustrated to no end with her character.
As the story progressed and things unfolded, I found myself more drawn to the outcome of the story. Layers were peeled back, truths discovered and many more questions posed. This held my attention and made me want to see just where this story could and would go. The author did an incredible job writing a gut wrenching plot line that I didn’t see coming.
Supporting characters like Annie, Betty and the Becker brothers made this read so much more enjoyable. I love it when a book’s weight isn’t carried solely by the two lead characters. So much humor, empathy, support and love was shown by those in Noah and Ruby Grace’s inner circle.
The ending left me hanging. Somewhat of an open ended story, which works due to the fact that this was the first in a series but I felt a little let down by how it didn’t end wrapped up in a pretty package. I just hope that more of Noah and Ruby Grace’s story is highlighted in future books because it was left so wide open!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
On The Rocks is amazing. I swear I have never read a bad book written by Kandi Steiner and I start jumping in my seat the minute one hits my kindle. This book was everything I expect from Kandi, it’s sexy, sweet, hot and angsty. Not only did On The Rocks break my heart but it really drove home all over again that this is an author whose talents exceed any one genre or troupe. On The Rocks told a story that superseded the age differences and places in society that the characters held in their small town.
Ruby and Noah didn’t exactly hit it off the first time they met, and they didn’t the second time either! As a matter of fact, Noah and Ruby constantly butted heads but that’s only because they were fighting their attraction and nothing good can come of two extreme forces fighting the other! When they couldn’t hold off the lust any longer both find themselves in for a fight neither saw coming!
As usual, I found Kandi’s story enthralling and beautiful. The pace and flow felt perfect and the plot will warm your heart while it simultaneously makes you need a cold shower. The characters—Ruby and Noah—set each other off in the hottest way! The quick wit and banter between these two added a boost of humor that I love to find in a romance! The dual POV allowed me to get inside their thoughts and appreciate their characters. On The Rocks isn’t a true enemies to lovers romance, but it’s got the feel of one, with all the sexiness this troupe in particular breeds. You know the one… where the insane chemistry and intense attraction is shown with cutting words and deeds (otherwise known as my favorite troupe!!!)
I can’t wait to see what else is in store if this little town! Here’s to hoping the next book is ready soon because my need for more Kandi Steiner storytelling can’t be satiated until I am deeply entwined in her next book. One Click On The Rocks NOW!!!
Hold on to your heart, because this book is going to steal it away. Noah is a good ole country boy, known for causing trouble with his brothers, who works as a barrel raiser at the local brewery. Ruby-Grace is the mayor’s daughter, town sweetheart, back from her first year of college and engaged to be married to a future politician. Sparks sure do fly when the two of them come together though. They each struggle with trying to do the right thing, or following their hearts.
These characters wrap you up. They are each so amazing. Even the supporting characters. I absolutely love Betty!!! This book has so many feels. Just absolutely amazing.
The small town of Stratford in Tennessee is a quirky place. With its conservative ways, its tight community and peaceful lifestyle, the last thing anyone would imagine is that the whole city revolves around the Scooter Whiskey Distillery, a company of great renown and the pride of the town’s residents. But with the speed that the news is scattered there and the number of gossips, a gunpowder factory would be more appropriate.
And in this scenario where nothing changes, everyone knows each other, young people marry soon after leaving high school and immediately become parents, no one has the aspiration to leave and influential families have the power, the Becker brothers will be responsible for stirring up this doldrums.
Ruby Grace is back to her hometown to get married. In six weeks, her life will change. She will become a wife, stand by her husband supporting him in his political campaign and will finally live the life for which she was prepared. To smile, to organize dinners, to take care of the house, to have children. Coming from a family of politicians, following in the footsteps of her mother is what is expected of her. But in fulfilling this role, she has to leave college, give up her dreams and stifle any will of her own. Her bubble of denial was working, until she stepped into the distillery to buy a present for her fiancé. Finding Noah Becker, the older boy she used to play with when she was little was not in her plans. Much less be questioned about her impending marriage. But being asked if she’s ready to marry, when no one ever asked that question, will make her rethink her life.
Noah works at the distillery but lives a love-hate relationship with the place. At the same time that he wishes to honor the memory and the work of his father, he knows that the circumstances of his death still need explanations that his family may never obtain. The biggest bad boy in town has a hidden golden heart and his biggest secret is that he wants to find the right woman and live a love like those of his parents. Ruby Grace will come into his life like a petulant and snobby hurricane at first, but by actually seeing her and discovering that she is about “to drown”, his protective side comes up and maybe other feelings.
But who will win the fight for the heart of Ruby Grace? The bad boy, who has gotten in more confusions than recommended and whose mothers warn their daughters to stay away or the perfect fiance, the good polite man , with political aspirations, charisma and the personification of Prince Charming? What if, after all, nothing is as it seems?
Noah was the soul of the book and the voice of reason. Ruby Grace is very young and was raised in a certain way, but sometimes her inability to put herself first irritated. Noah makes her realize and admit what she really wants for herself, shows how a true relationship works and turns her world upside down.
A little drama, a big twist, a few hidden secrets, a dash of comedy and lots of cute moments are all part of the narrative. I can’t even describe Ruby’s parents and her fiance. It was unforgivable what they did.
The mystery about the death of Noah’s father remains and I hope the next books will come back on this subject. Patrick has a connection with another character, which increases my curiosity about what his plans will be.
The book was very different from what I expected. I loved it. The couple showed connection, understanding and above all respect. The ending fled the commonplace and matched everything that Noah preached throughout the narrative. A good experience.
What an amazing 5 star story this was. An addicting story for a slow night at work.
Noah is the bad boy that every woman love. Ruby Grace is the mayor’s daughter who follows a certain path that is laid out for her. Noah is going to be the cross road in that path.
It was a beautifully written story that kept me reading for hours on out. Amazing characters that were perfectly created. I would have loved to throw my kindle a time or two at Ruby Grace. It was funny at times and I enjoyed the bantering they had going on. The storyline was an angsty one that made me go through different emotions. Bottomline this is a must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I hope to see a story for Noah’s brothers. I highly recommend this story.
On the rocks by kandi Steiner was an amazing read. You have the small town feel, you know how that goes, everyone knows everyone, gossip around town.
Well, we get to see Noah, who everyone gossips about, with that one smirk that will make you swoon. Well when he metts Ruby Grace things take a turn. Her present and future change completely when she meets Noah, and lets just say, you will fall in love with them,
I cant wait to read more about the brothers. 🙂
I loved this book!! I’m relatively new to Kandi’s books and they have yet to disappoint me.
I loved the world she created in Stratford, Tennessee! I could see the green rolling hills & taste the whiskey. I think my absolute favorite part of the book was watching Ruby Grace come into her own as Noah let her know she was perfect as she was. He loved her spirit, stubbornness, and her giving soul
On The Rocks seriously gave me all the feels!!!!!
This is a sweet, love story that will just make you melt!
I loved watching Ruby and Noah fall head over heels for each other! Kandi Steiner did an amazing job bringing out all of my emotions with this slow burning romance!
4.5 stars!!!
I started reading this expecting a good romance, but what I got (in addition to that) was a surprisingly in-depth exploration of family expectations and dedication. I couldn’t put this book down, fell in love with the Becker brothers, and hope that the author continues to explore the history of Scooter Whiskey in future books because I think there’s more to Patrick Scooter than meets the eye. Oh, and I had fun recognizing some movie references here and there. For more on that, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.
Noah is the swoon worthy country boy you can’t help but fall in love with. Ruby Grace is the woman pretending to be someone she truly isn’t. The story has so much angst & the drama to go along with it and the friends to lovers element. There is just something about small town romances that pull you in and make you fall in love with the characters! This is another gem from Kandi that you will not want to put down.
On the Rocks by Kandi Steiner is a sweet and sassy contemporary small-town romance. Told in dual points of view between Noah and Ruby, this romance will make you swoon, has just enough angst to keep you completely hooked, and is so well-crafted that the slow-burn will literally set you on fire.
Noah is the bad boy, the one Ruby is warned away from many times. First, as a child in church later as an example of who NOT to associate with. An older, sexier, rough around the edges man who sees Ruby for who she truly is, not who she has crafted herself to be for her family’s sake. Ruby has always been intrigued by Noah but her return to town and recent run-ins make it all the more obvious that who she is with is nothing like who she needs to have in her life.
There has not been a Kandi Steiner book I’ve read that I haven’t absolutely loved and obsessed over. Enjoy!
I love this story by Kandi Steiner! It was a fun read with great chemistry, and conflict, between the main characters. The small town romance that blossoms between two very opposite people will draw you in and keep you reading to find out if their love will win out or if opposites really don’t attract.
Stratford, Tennessee is known for its whiskey and in the town you’re known by your last name and your reputation. Noah Becker’s is simple; he’s wild, he’s the handsomest barrel raiser around, and his last name no longer sits at the top with the Scooter’s and the Barnett’s. Ruby Grace Barnett, daughter of the mayor and engaged to a future president, is all legs, confidence, and wedded bliss. At least, that’s what she wants people to see, for some reason Noah is able to see her drowning, able to see her desires and wishes, able to pull honesty from her mouth. What starts as a friendship gives way to something more, but the ring on Ruby Grace’s finger keeps her in line, until a devastating revelation shakes her world to its core. Noah doesn’t know how to be her friend when she’s all he can think about, but Ruby Grace holds all the answers and power, she’s the one who gets to choose what her forever looks like. Is she meant to be the politician’s wife or is she meant to chase her dreams, the ones she’s set aside for a future mapped for her?
“It was always in the cards for me. And it was all I ever wanted. At least, that’s what I thought.”
On the Rocks by Kandi Steiner is both classic Kandi-angst while also somehow being a totally unique story from her. Ruby Grace is a picture of, well her middle name, grace, while Noah is the country boy with dirty jeans and a taste for whiskey, Tennessee whiskey. They’re on two different paths and yet in the heat of summer, under the pressure of wedding planning and questions of what’s next, those paths cross. I loved these two, I loved how even with such a big age gap they feel so alike. Kandi Steiner perfectly captured that small town atmosphere, I know, I live in one now. Everyone knows everyone, gossip is hot off the press daily, and age doesn’t mean a thing when you’re out in the woods by the fire. These two just click, with Ruby Grace alighting something in Noah he’d started doubting he’d fine, and Noah making Ruby Grace realize her hopes and dreams are valid. Their friendship isn’t easy, you might not believe me when I say these two throw insults at each other quite often, but the passion between them is. I don’t mean lust passion either, though that’s there, they both have a passion for life that is often a missing characteristic in book characters. These two come alive under the summer sun, under the night sky, in the lake and in the pool, as they take on adventures together unaware, or maybe unprepared to admit, where their friendship is heading.
“‘No, you see me with your soul.’ She swallowed, eyes flicking up to mine before they fell back to mouth. ‘And I feel you with mine.'”
Okay, okay, I know so many of my reader fans are absolutely against all things OW/OM, but Kandi hit this out of the park. At its base, this is friendship and lust, and a coming-of-age moment that maybe could’ve been avoided had Ruby Grace’s life not been flying at the speed of light towards collision with her unable to control the direction. This is youthfulness, recklessness, and above all, an all-consuming feeling of being out of place that drives the characters in this direction. This isn’t the easy path, this isn’t just one night, Kandi Steiner perfectly captures the dread, the fear, the angst that can drive two together when everything is falling apart. More than that, things don’t come to a head until, in my opinion, things are irreparable anyway.
“His dark hair in my hands, my dark heart in his.”
On the Rocks isn’t your typical contemporary romance, no this one is filled to the top with angst, but it’s the kind of angst that doesn’t come just from falling in love. Kandi Steiner tackles family honor, expectations, and the fear of facing one’s future so perfectly. It’s a small town story with both romance and scandal and coming-of-age weaved into the pages. It’s a book about owning one’s truth and figuring out the rest along the way. I so enjoyed this book and am so excited to see what the other Becker brothers have in store for us.
3.5 stars
By the time Kandi Steiner has her way with you in this book, you will:
1. want to move to Tennessee.
2. form a severe craving for Tennessee whisky.
3. wish you could will Noah Becker into being.
Noah is an exemplary Hot Hero. He is a bit of a rascal and devoted to his family, and when he loves, he loves completely and resolutely. Steiner gives him a moving origin story, which makes you like him even more. He’s the kind of guy who does what must be done, even when it breaks his heart.
In Ruby Grace, he finds a worthy woman.
For the most part.
She is YOUNG, dear readers. At only nineteen, she has tremendous self-knowledge to undertake. Think about yourself when you were nineteen. Think about your twenties (if you are past them). Think about all the different ways you changed over the course of that decade. And Ruby Grace has that in front of her. I understand the plot decision to make her so young–it sets up internal and external conflict–but it makes me want to pull Noah aside and tell him he’s going to have to be QUITE patient. Is she worth the time he needs to give her? I mean, we’re not talking a year here. We’re talking many years.
Ruby re-enters Noah’s life as an engaged woman, which brings me to my second question about this book. In the inaugural installment of what I’m going to call “If I Beta Read This Book,” my number one note for Kandi Steiner would be to ask herself what might be gained by making Anthony a little less predictable, a little more developed. What if he were not straight out of Central Casting and instead someone more like the character Patrick Dempsey plays in Sweet Home Alabama? I get it. We’re not supposed to like him. (Steiner makes that inescapably clear.) We’re not supposed to trust him. (WE DO NOT.) We’re not supposed to root for him (WE DO NOT.) But what if Ruby Grace’s decision weren’t so clear? What if Anthony wasn’t so awful?
Even with Anthony’s predictability and flatness, this is a fun, hot romance. Kandi Steiner keeps you waiting for the sexy times, but when she delivers, she leaves you coiled with need. Noah is SPECTACULAR.
If you’re looking for a hot summer read, give this a try. And then please come back and let me know what you think. Am I wrong about Anthony?
Okay, I’m late to the party to speak when it comes to Kandi Steiner. I’ve heard of her before, but the few books of hers where I read the blurb didn’t capture my attention. But On The Rocks’s blurb pulled me in, and I knew I had to read it. This was a good story. I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. It was an ‘easy like Sunday morning’ type of read, as smooth as fine wine, and I really don’t know what smooth wine is because I don’t drink, but that is the sentence that popped into my head as I am writing this review. Anyway, Noah and Ruby Grace made me smile, cringe, and kept me glued to the pages to see how their love story would turn out. This book adventure was worth it, and dang it, I’m mad, because I wanted a different ending, one that involved… well, I can’t say because I would be giving some of the story away and I don’t want to spoil it for others. Now, we just need this book in audio format. I don’t know why I have the Commodores song stuck in my head, you know the one, Easy.